pasting into an excel template without losing the formatting

I created a template in excel 2003 which has cells that have fill color in
them. When I copy information from another source (like another spreadsheet)
and paste it into my template, all the work I did is replaced by whatever I
am pasting into the template. Is there a way to keep the formatting
(colorized cells and bold formatting etc..) and just have the information
that I am pasting fill the cells?

One option:

If you have the Paste Options button enabled, when you past into Excel 2003,
you should see a little button pop up in the bottom right had corner of the
range you just pasted into.
Click on that button and choose Match Destination Fromatting.

If the button doesn't pop up, go to Tools | Options | Edit. In the column of
choices on the right you should see a check box for Show Paste Options
buttons. Make sure it is checked.

tj

"chachi" wrote:

> I created a template in excel 2003 which has cells that have fill color in
> them. When I copy information from another source (like another spreadsheet)
> and paste it into my template, all the work I did is replaced by whatever I
> am pasting into the template. Is there a way to keep the formatting
> (colorized cells and bold formatting etc..) and just have the information
> that I am pasting fill the cells?

Hi chachi

when pasting choose edit / paste special and values - this will bring across
the information but not over-ride the formatting. However be aware this
will change any of your formulas in the source to values in the
destination - so you will lose your formulas.

Cheers
JulieD

"chachi" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I created a template in excel 2003 which has cells that have fill color in
> them. When I copy information from another source (like another
> spreadsheet)
> and paste it into my template, all the work I did is replaced by whatever
> I
> am pasting into the template. Is there a way to keep the formatting
> (colorized cells and bold formatting etc..) and just have the information
> that I am pasting fill the cells?